Clarke: Dorrans is fully focused

Boss' backing for midfielder as he prepares to return to scene of last-gasp winner

STEVE Clarke insists Graham Dorrans has put talks about his future firmly on hold and is fully focused as he today prepares to return to Stoke - the scene of one of his finest Albion moments.

The 25-year-old midfielder has started seven of the Baggies’ last eight top-flight games.

And his form has earned him a recall into the Scotland squad for this month’s World Cup qualifiers against Wales and Serbia.

But before he links up with Gordon Strachan’s party he will head back to the Britannia Stadium, where last season he scored a stoppage-time winner to end Albion’s almost-30-year wait for a victory on Potters soil.

Clarke said: “We had a chat before Christmas and said if a suitable offer came up for Graham and for the club it’s something we could consider.

“Nothing came up in January, he knuckled down.

“I told him when we had the chat in December he still had an important part to play and I think that’s proved to be the case as the season’s gone on.

“I think Graham is in a good place just now.

“He’s happy, he’s comfortable and he wants to play.

“He’s had his chances to play and we haven’t spoken anymore about his future since we had the chat in December.”

PIC: SILENCE IS GOLDEN...Dorrans celebrates his winner at Stoke last season